Written by: The Go Team
In March, Gateway Church sent a team of 8 to Hendersonville, North Carolina to partner with ReachGlobal disaster response and assist those still recovering from the fall hurricanes that swept through the area. They worked on seven different homes putting up drywall, finishing trim, and rewiring a house still empty and torn down to the studs. To paint a small picture, these homes were flooded up to the ceilings. Many of the people helped had lost everything and are still struggling to recover physically and emotionally. One woman said that after seeing the progress in her home, she was able to sleep through the night for the first time since the storm. Through their time there and the work done, hope was given. Team member, Joe Sonnenberg, shares his first ReachGlobal experience below.
“My decision to go on this trip was an act of faith, which I desire to grow in, that put me in a position to step outside of my comfort zone. It’s been a journey and combination of asking the Lord what my gifts are and in light of Philippians 2:4-5 asking how I can better serve at my age with a desire to finish well though my nature is to do the opposite. I can tend to be more concerned about my comfort, my convenience, and my happiness. This trip challenged me to not only pause and recognize where God was at work but also share them as we did each day in our prayer and devotional time. This was so important because on the days you’re tired and maybe feel insignificant while you work, I’m reminded that God is/was with us! He strengthens us and gives us opportunities to be a light in regards to our work and relationships. There were so many impactful moments for me, but one’s that stand out are: the opportunity to share and pray with a construction worker, a moment to be vulnerable and pray with my son-in-law who was also on the trip, and seeing a sense of hope not just from those directly impacted by the floods but also those indirectly impacted. Appreciation. Gratefulness. And the joy of new beginnings. Outside of the work done, I loved the ice cream shop that was across the street and hanging out with the team members from Gateway alongside getting to know members of the ReachGlobal team. We got to serve with one another but it was beyond that!”
The best part of hearing from Joe was him saying that there was so much more he could share! Some others that were on the trip are: Josh Ayers, Ryan Fisher, Dean Giesige, Alan Hoy, and Christian & Randy Lishawa so if you want to hear more encouraging stories I’m sure they would love to share! If you’re interested in joining on the next ReachGlobal trip, it will be August 3-8 to Kentucky led by Dick Schrock.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 2:4-5 (ESV)
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